Ram settles diesel class action lawsuit for $6 million or just $100 per truck

The class action lawsuit claims that vehicles emit illegal emissions and often require expensive repairs

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A tentative settlement has been approved for owners of certain Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 models with defective Cummins diesel engines. However, Cummins only has to pay $4.8 million, while Chrysler only has to pay $1.2 million.

The lawsuit was first filed in 2017 and alleges that hundreds of thousands of Ram trucks in the U.S. were equipped with 6.7-liter Cummins diesel engines that have illegal emissions levels, often require expensive repairs and do not achieve advertised gas mileage ratings.

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Chrysler has denied all allegations, but claims that its 2013 to 2015 Ram 2500 and 3500 diesel trucks were equipped with catalytic reduction systems that did not work as intended. The plaintiffs had sought compensation for the purchase price of their trucks as well as for the overpaid repair costs and the loss in value of their vehicles.

After the legal battle dragged on for seven years, the automaker decided to settle because continued litigation would entail “significant costs, inconvenience, stress and disruption,” Car Complaints reports.

Under the settlement, Cummins will pay $4.8 million and Chrysler will put $1.2 million into a fund to cover the cost of everything, including attorneys’ fees and costs. The final amount paid to each truck customer will vary, “but is estimated to be approximately $100.40 per eligible truck.”

Interestingly, the settlement only benefits those who purchased or leased a new 2013, 2014, or 2015 Ram 2500 or 3500 between November 26, 2014, and July 13, 2016. Additionally, the settlement only applies to owners in Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, and Washington.

The lawsuit was filed by 17 Ram owners, and each of them will receive $5,000 in compensation through the settlement. The lawyers representing the clients are seeking at least $1.8 million for their work on the case. A final hearing on the fairness of the case is scheduled for October 10, 2024.